Ceuta's Leader Seeks EU Action Amidst Migration Crisis
President Juan Vivas of Ceuta has recently returned from Brussels after a visit that aimed to secure a commitment from European institutions to take decisive action against Morocco in light of the mass migration events that occurred on July 30 and 31. While Vivas reported a sympathetic ear from European officials regarding his concerns, he left without any concrete promises of sanctions or punitive measures directed at Rabat. This revelation was made during a press briefing on September 11, where the People’s Party politician expressed his expectations for a forthcoming response, although he refrained from detailing any specific commitments made by the EU.
During his discussions in Brussels, Vivas emphasized the urgent need for enhanced border protection, expedited returns of migrants, and the permanent deployment of Frontex as well as the EU Agency for Asylum. He highlighted the pressing issue of unaccompanied minors, noting that around 1,800 children are currently under the city's care. However, he also acknowledged the lack of a definitive count of the total number of migrants who arrived during this crisis period.
EU's Financial Support for Spain Amidst Ongoing Tensions
In response to the situation, the European Commission has approved an emergency funding package worth €114.7 million for Spain, following a request made by the Spanish government on August 24. This financial aid, announced on September 9, includes allocations from various EU funds aimed at bolstering border surveillance, providing staff and equipment for migrant screening, and establishing reception facilities, particularly for unaccompanied minors. The operational support from Frontex, Europol, and the EU asylum agency further underscores the EU's commitment to assist Spain during this challenging time.
However, Morocco has denied any allegations of its involvement in the crisis, asserting through a Foreign Ministry statement that there is no evidence linking Moroccan authorities to the recent events and calling for a comprehensive investigation. The ministry reiterated Morocco's commitment to cooperating with Spain by agreeing to readmit migrants and facilitate the return of unaccompanied minors to their families. Furthermore, Rabat underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship established through the April 2022 declaration, which focuses on mutual trust, dialogue, and security collaboration. In a pointed critique, Moroccan officials accused Spanish political figures of leveraging the situation in Morocco for domestic political gain, rejecting the notion of being scapegoated in electoral disputes.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
